It isn’t a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in the woods, so you probably won’t see a bear, but Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society thinks you are sure to see some chattering songbirds or a great blue heron on the hunt as you stroll the banks of the Courtenay River Estuary on their first Charity Walk for Wildlife April 22.
Walk event organizer Lynda Hodgkinson says, “Charity walks are uniting communities and are an opportunity for family and friends to take a few minutes for themselves and to acknowledge the importance of our connection with wildlife."
A fund-raising registration fee of $10 will be waived if participants obtain sponsors and a prize will be awarded for the most pledges.
Registration starts at noon at the parking area, south end of the Airpark’s runway just past the Whistle Stop Pub and continues in a clockwise direction. Bring your pledge sheets and donation money.
MARS couldn’t have picked a more unique location for their Walk for Wildlife as the paved walkway will accommodate strollers and wheelchairs yet still bring you tantalizingly close to the waterfowl, eagles, herons and seals that make the Estuary their home. The Estuary is the stage for a variety of wildlife actors in their natural habitat and reflects MARS’ mission to conserve and protect it through rehabilitation and education.
This is a great opportunity to meet ambassador birds who will appreciate your donations.
Remember to bring your water container and fill up at the water station generously provided by Water Pure & Simple.
Pledge sheets are available at local businesses including veterinarian clinics and hospitals, NIC, CV Chamber of Commerce, Ski Tak Hut, Jeannie’s Vitamin Centre, Comox Mall Coffee Shop, Art Knapp’s Plantland, Shar-Kare Feed and may also be downloaded from MARS website, www.wingtips.org. MARS is challenging all Comox Valley students to see who can get the most pledges and the Valley’s firefighters, RCMP, BC Ambulance staff and CFB personnel.
Rain or shine, the wildlife is sure to have their best duds on.